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Science News for August 4, 2017


Lightweight catalyst for artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at Fuzhou University have created a macroscopic aerogel from carbonitride nanomaterials that catalyzes the water-splitting reaction under visible-light irradiation. The material offers excellent structural and electronic properties, making it suitable for artificial photosynthesis.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 4, 2017

How do birds get their colors?

A study in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology reveals that 32% of bird species have complex plumage patterns produced by melanins, not carotenoids. Melanins control pigmentation on a cellular level, while carotenoids require dietary intake and specialized structures.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateAug 4, 2017

Scientists reveal source of human heartbeat in 3-D

A team of scientists has developed a way to produce 3D data showing the cardiac conduction system, enabling more accurate computer models of the heartbeat. This breakthrough will improve our understanding of troublesome heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation and help surgeons design operations with less risk of damaging precious tissue.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 4, 2017

Sending the right signals

Dr. Warren Ruder is developing microparticles carrying engineered bacteria known as 'smart biomaterials' to reprogram mammalian cell signaling and influence disease outcomes. His goal is to use these hybrid biomaterials to better understand how cell signaling works and affect many diseases.

Materials governed by light

Hybrid materials combining organic and inorganic components show promise for various applications, including optics and biomedicine. The materials display enhanced photophysical properties, such as anisotropic response to polarized light and artificial antenna effects.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateAug 4, 2017

Simultaneous design and nanomanufacturing speeds up fabrication

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method that combines design and nanomanufacturing to create optimal nanostructured surfaces for solar cells. The technique uses mathematical functions and machine learning to fabricate quasi-random structures, resulting in increased light absorption and improved efficiency.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2017

Why humans find faulty robots more likeable

Researchers found that humans take a stronger liking to faulty robots, which helps them understand and correct their own behavior. This finding has exciting implications for the field of social robotics, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfections in robot design.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateAug 4, 2017

Canadian-led study akin to antimatter forensics

A Canadian-led research collaboration reports observing spectral lines from an antimatter atom for the first time in a study published in Nature. The team studied antihydrogen and found that its spectral lines match those of hydrogen very well, which could provide clues about the nature of matter and antimatter.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 2017